Sublimation - Why it is the Best Way to Dry Vital Documents?

4/13/2020 (Permalink)

Be very careful what you do when drying documents

How do you dry Vital Documents? Do you have some vital documents that have just been ruined or dampened by water? Are you concerned that this information may be lost? Are you hoping it’s salvageable?

Sublimation is the process of making water transform directly from solid (ice) straight to gas (condensation or air). It skips being liquid water entirely.

Skipping being liquid is extremely important because it can re-damage the documents when thawed. This is because the water can streak the ink or pull apart the paper or material.

Sublimation is approved by the National Archives and Records Administration and General Services Administration.

Do This First to Your Wet Documents

Freeze them immediately:

Freezing halts the destruction of the paper. It won’t undo any damage but it will press the pause button because bacteria and mold cannot grow on it when in a freezing environment.

This will work on wet client files, wet family photos or wet posters. Be careful with the documents. If possible lie them flat and separated.

If SERVPRO of Wood, Ritchie & Pleasants Counties is required we will transport the paper in its frozen state to our document restoration centre. 

SERVPRO Document Restoration Services - Beyond Drying

In addition to simply drying documents our Documentation Restoration Services we can decontaminate and digitize.

Document Decontamination: Sometimes documents can be exposed to hazardous conditions such as a sewage spill. In these instances it is very important that the contaminants are cleared, while still keeping papers in tact as best as possible. SERVPRO can provide this.

Digitization of Documents: Back up files are important. All salvageable documents can be digitized as a back up if you or your office wishes to do so. This will help avoid any future issues and an optional service.

Most importantly, we and all members of the document restoration team are HIPPA Master Certified, which means that patient records and private information are in a secure chain of custody while they are being restored.

If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to call SERVPRO of Wood, Ritchie & Pleasants Counties on (304) 428 7378 or click here to contact us now.